The base was in chaos. Adam had escaped, and there were search parties everywhere looking for him. Landon was pissed when he heard that both of the humans escaped, but with the Sorhebis' help, they would soon regain their escapees.
They had found two other humans; one, Sammy, was treating the other in his cell. Both were male and a little aggressive, but Sammy gave them sedatives to make them more relaxed. She was bandaging the guy’s ankle, which had been broken; with her help, she set it correctly, and to keep it in place, she was bandaging it with a strong fiber.
She was a little sad Adam had escaped—he was fun to have around—but at the same time, she couldn’t blame him. They were technically keeping him hostage, and from his perspective, she guessed he had more loyalty to his planet. She finished up with the ankle and gave him something for pain, then called one of the guards in to take him back to his room so he could rest.
She sighed in boredom and was suddenly approached by Landon; she jumped a little, her tail clinging to her leg.
She exclaimed, “You cannot just sneak up on me like that, jeez.”
He chuckled and said, “Sorry, my bad, but I need you to be on standby tomorrow with Yelana because we are going to try and capture the shuttle so we can get information out of them on what this ‘President’ is planning.”
Sammy nodded and then asked, “Speaking of information, what did Nanatome agree to?”
Landon sighed and said, “Oh, you know that country—they want us to sign a contract stating we have to come to their aid in future conflicts.”
She chuckled and said, “Yeah, that makes sense. Have you told Yazmina to sign, orrr…?”
Landon then explained, “Yeah, I’m waiting on the board to decide on the contract. Other than that, I was just letting you know. Also, I was wondering if you would want to join the search party in searching for Adam and the other one.”
Sammy thought about it. She was done with her work for now, so she shrugged and said, “Why not? I don’t have anything to do anyway.”
Landon smiled and said, “Alrighty then. They are meeting by the stables. Have a good day.”
She smiled back, saying, “You too.”
She finished up and cleaned up the place before leaving. She locked her office and turned her phone up so that if someone needed her, they could reach her. She walked to the stables, sensing Yelana. She reached out and said, “Hey, we are going to go search for Adam and the other one.”
Yelana replied with, “Ah, alright, just let me stretch my wings.”
She met with some of the others sent to go look for the aliens. The heat hit her first—gentle, like stepping into sunlight after the rain. Sammy paused, blinking against the wave of warmth that curled around her, familiar in a way that tugged at a long-buried memory.
Then she saw him.
“Toshi?” she called, a grin already tugging at her lips.
He turned, and that same crooked smile she remembered lit up his face. His light-orange skin caught the light like polished stone, and those slitted brown eyes softened the moment they landed on her.
“Sammy,” he said, and her name sounded like it belonged in the heat. His short, curly brown hair bounced slightly as he walked toward her, tail flicking behind him with that same lazy rhythm he always had. The vibrant red and orange feathers shimmered at the tips, his phoenix wings folding in carefully as he leaned in for a quick, familiar embrace.
“You're still hot,” she teased, nudging him with her elbow as the warmth radiating off his skin settled against her like a heated blanket.
He laughed—a low, raspy sound that rumbled in his chest. “And you're still annoying.”
Sammy snorted, but there was no bite in her expression, just a wide smile and the light in her eyes that only old friends could bring out.
They both had served in the war together. She pulled him in a warm hug and said, “What are you doing here? It's Tsuco, I thought you would be on Vonocomshi already.”
He chuckled and said, “Hah, I switched a couple of years back. I still got a little bit until the Infernal Descent. You're lucky you still have seven months until the Arctic Descent.”
She nodded and pulled away.
Sammy called to Yelana, and she looked at Toshi and said, “Ohh, you haven’t seen Yelana yet. I bonded with her after the war.”
With a clang and a low hiss of hydraulics, one of the stable doors slid open. And out stepped Yelana.
She was a walking contradiction—powerful yet joyful, dangerous in build but playful in soul. Her body was a sleek wave of dark baby blue, her scales catching the afternoon sun and glowing like stormy skies lit by dusk. Each step she took was heavy with muscle and confidence, but there was an unmistakable bounce in her stride, her thick limbs moving with an almost puppy-like energy. Her underbelly was a vibrant turquoise, the color glinting with a cool, aquatic glow as she moved. That same turquoise shimmered inside the wide, cobra-like hood that framed her head, and deep in the folds of her outstretched wings, like a secret pool of color hidden beneath the surface.
Marble-white spikes lined the edges of her hood, down her spine, and along the powerful whip of her tail. They caught the light in flashes—not sharp like blades, but elegant, organic, like carved ivory.
And her eyes—deep, dark brown—locked onto one thing: Sammy.
The transformation was instant. Her hood flared in surprise, spikes rising like petals opening to sunlight, and then she let out a thrilled whrummmm!—a deep, vibrating croon of affection.
She took off toward him with excited, bounding steps, her paws thudding hard against the concrete, her thick tail wagging in wide arcs behind her. Her turquoise wings rustled slightly as she moved, excitement practically radiating off her like heat.
Toshi stood beside Sammy, completely unprepared. Yelana reached Sammy in seconds and buried her broad snout into her chest, letting out another loving rumble. She nudged her hard enough to make her stumble a step back, then curled around her protectively, tail looping around her legs like a living shield.
“Yelana!” Sammy laughed, bracing her massive head with both arms. “Easy, girl—miss me that much?”
She let out a soft hrrrmmm, practically purring, and rested her chin on her shoulder for a moment before peeking over at the unfamiliar face beside her.
Toshi stiffened as her dark brown eyes fixed on him. And then—she trotted over, hood slightly raised, tail still wagging behind her. Her head tilted, marble-white spikes casting faint shadows across the bright turquoise inside her flared hood.
“I—uh—is she cool?” Toshi asked, not moving.
“She’s just curious,” Sammy called. “Go ahead. Say hi.”
Yelana stopped in front of him and sat down with a heavy whump, her turquoise belly pressed to the ground, her scales warm from the sun. She sniffed, snorted softly, and then leaned forward and gave Toshi a full-face lick, from jaw to hairline.
“Yup, normally,” he muttered, wiping his face with both hands, clearly stunned. “She’s like a damn golden retriever in dragon form.”
Yelana gave a happy fwuff, flaring her wings slightly in approval before trotting back to Sammy’s side and curling up next to him like a massive, scaly housecat.
Soldiers nearby peeked over crates and from behind armored vehicles, watching the baby-blue-and-turquoise tank of a dragon acting like a spoiled pet.
Toshi still had Yelana’s slobber glistening on his cheek when he gave Sammy a look—half pride, half challenge.
“Alright. You’ve met my dragon once. She’s adorable, I’ll give you that. But it’s my turn now.”
Sammy raised a brow, arms folded, and a grin forming. “You bringing out the big guy?”
“Oh yeah,” Toshi said, already reaching for the sleek whistle device clipped to his belt. He gave it one sharp blow, barely audible to human ears.
For a moment, the world held still.
Then, the rhythmic sound of heavy wingbeats stirred the air. From the far side of the base, between the rust-colored hangars and rows of low-slung barracks, something massive emerged—low and steady at first, then gliding into view with a fluid, commanding grace.
Sonic landed in a powerful swoop, kicking up a swirl of dust and leaves that had gathered in the corners of the lot. His massive frame hit the ground with a thud that vibrated through the soles of their boots. His scales gleamed in warm, glowing hues—deep burnt orange across most of his body, like glowing coals in fading sunlight. Swaths of rich red swept over his wings and flanks, darkening to sienna near the joints. His underbelly was a soft, muted amber, like old parchment warmed by firelight, while his horns and spines—sleek and tapered—shimmered with a rich chestnut brown. Flecks of gold danced across his sides, as if autumn leaves had fused into his very skin.
Yelana straightened immediately, her hood flaring wide in curiosity. Her turquoise eyes widened slightly as she scooted a little closer to Sammy, but not in fear—more like surprise.
Sonic’s dark gaze swept over her with the intense focus of a protector. His wings half-flared, casting long shadows, as he landed with a low growl that rumbled from his chest.
“He’s protective,” Toshi said quietly, patting Sammy’s arm just in case. “But he knows you.”
That growl shifted the moment Sonic’s eyes landed on Sammy. His stance softened. His wings were tucked gently back. And then—he let out a sharp chuff, padded forward, and nuzzled Sammy with a careful nudge of his massive head. The deep red ridges along his jaw flexed slightly as he leaned in, making a sound like a contented drumroll from deep within his chest.
Sammy laughed, already reaching up to scratch behind one of his warm, rust-colored horns. “Hey, big guy. Missed me?”
Sonic gave a gentle rumble in response, closing his eyes briefly before turning to Yelana. She’d approached slowly, tail swaying, her hood still slightly raised—not in warning, but fascination. She gave a low chirp, flaring her wings just a little to show her turquoise plumage, clearly trying to make a good impression.
Sonic blinked once. Then let out a soft grunt, lowering his head to sniff her politely.
The two dragons stared at each other in silence.
Then, without a word, Yelana’s tail gave a hopeful wag.
Sonic huffed once and gave the faintest twitch of his tail in return.
Sammy raised her brows. “I think they like each other.”
Toshi smirked. “Yelana’s got good taste.”
They caught up while getting ready to take off with the others. She mentioned, “What happened to you and Kaitlyn? I heard you got engaged, but I didn’t believe it. Y’all were such opposites.”
Toshi chuckled and said, “Yeah… unfortunately, I caught her cheating a couple of years back. I got over it, but it still hurts.”
She sighed and said, “Yeah, I never really liked her anyway. Got anyone new?”
He chuckled and replied, “Not currently. It’s just been me and Sonic. What about you? Did you find your femboy yet?”
She raised an eyebrow and said, “Eheh, not really. Most Christians are meatheads and want all the control in the relationship.”
Toshi laughed and said, “Typical, but you’ll find the perfect guy out there for you someday.”
Sammy sighed and said, “Well, call me when you find a Christian that isn’t intimidated by me and doesn’t mind being a stay-at-home dad.”
Toshi said, “Will do. So—you know what this alien looks like. You should lead the group since you have more experience as well.”
Sammy shrugged and looked around. There were about seven of them, including her and Toshi.
She agreed, and as they took off, she had Sonic be in front, tracking Adam.
After a couple of hours, Sonic veered suddenly to the left, his rust-colored wings slicing through the air like a blade. His massive head turned slightly toward Toshi, and a low, vibrating hum echoed in the rider’s skull.
“He’s close. The scent is fresh. South ridge, below.”
Toshi stiffened and called out over the wind, “Sammy! Sonic says we’re close—trail leads down by the southern ridge!”
Sammy scanned the treetops below. The dense canopy swayed gently under the wind of their Sorhebis’ wings, but it wasn’t enough to hide the subtle disturbances: broken branches, scuffed bark, and something else—movement.
“I’m going down,” she called back, guiding Yelana lower. “Keep circling for air support. I want eyes in the sky.”
Toshi flew in closer. “You sure? You want me to come with?”
She gave him a small smile. “I’m good. But keep the comms open.”
Yelana twisted her neck to look back at Sammy, her tail flicking in resistance.
Alone? Again? That’s not a good idea. Let me stay close.
You’re better up there, love. They need your wings more than I do. I’ll whistle if anything happens, promise.
Yelana let out a low, grumbly wrrm but obeyed, climbing higher into the sky to rejoin Sonic and the others.
Sammy leapt off, landing with a crouch and rolling easily to her feet. The forest greeted her with silence—no birdsong, no insect buzz, just the quiet hum of distant wind and the slight rustle of disturbed leaves. She unholstered her weapon but didn’t raise it yet, letting her instincts guide her.
Ten minutes passed. The trail deepened—whoever had been here was either too confident or too desperate to cover their tracks. Heavy footfalls. Branches snapped waist-high. But something was off. Too much weight, too much purpose. Adam had been moving carefully before.
This… this felt different.
She crouched near a damp patch of moss, fingertips brushing over a partial bootprint. The sole was military-issued—not the kind the prisoners had. And it was deep—too heavy for Emma, too wide for Adam.
Her brows furrowed. “This isn’t them…”
A twig snapped to her right.
Her tail twitched.
She spun just as the ambush struck.
A figure lunged from the shadows, blade arcing for her throat. Sammy ducked and countered with a smooth sweep of her leg, knocking the attacker off balance. He hit the dirt with a grunt but recovered fast, springing back to his feet. His black hair clung to his forehead, sweat trickling down sharp cheekbones. Brown eyes, alert and wild, locked with hers.
She met him mid-stride, dodging the first jab and catching his arm with a twist that spun him sideways. He rolled, grabbed a branch, and swung it in a wide arc—only for her to duck and deliver a sharp elbow to his gut. He wheezed but kept coming. Another feint. Another dodge. This time she swept his legs and pinned him with a swift knee to the chest, knocking the wind from him.
He reached for a hidden blade on his belt—but she was faster. With one smooth strike, she slammed the heel of her boot down onto his wrist, disarming him.
She pressed her knee to his sternum and leaned in.
He spat to the side and growled something in a harsh, guttural language—foreign to her ears.
She tilted her head slightly. Whatever he said, it was meaningless noise to her. Earthborn tongue.
She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t understand you.”
The man stared back, defiant.
“You don’t need to talk anyway.”
One quick jab with the butt of her weapon, and he was out cold.
She stood, dusting herself off, then tapped her comm.
“Toshi, change of plans,” she said, eyes still scanning the trees. “Wasn’t Adam or Emma. I’ve got a rogue soldier from the attack. Knocked out. Probably one of the ones that slipped through during the shuttle landing.”
“Got it,” Toshi replied. “We’ll come get him.”
“I’ll mark the spot. Tell Yelana I’m fine.”
A low rumble from the sky told her the Sorhebi had already circled back. Yelana landed nearby with a graceful stomp, her wings folding in with a rustle of muscle and membrane. Her eyes scanned the man on the ground.
He smells… Earthborn. But different. Nervous. Violent.
Yeah. I felt it too. Take me back up once they grab him. We’ve still got Adam to find.
Toshi landed moments later, flanked by another scout. He hopped off Sonic and jogged over, his eyes flicking between the soldier and Sammy.
“You good?” he asked.
“Never better. No injuries,” she replied, nudging the unconscious body with her boot. “He’s your package now. Take him back. I’m not done down here.”
Toshi raised a brow. “You’re staying?”
Sammy nodded. “This guy threw us off. Adam’s still out there. And now we know we’re not the only ones looking for him.”
He didn’t argue. Just gave her a respectful nod, then lifted the limp soldier with Sonic’s help. The dragon grunted under the added weight, but didn’t complain.
Yelana crouched low again, ready to fly.
Sammy exhaled, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow as the others lifted off.
Back to the trail. Back to the hunt.
She muttered to herself, half amused, half determined:
“Alright, Adam. Where’d you run off to?”
The sky welcomed her again.
Sammy rose into the clouds on Yelana’s back, the forest quickly shrinking beneath them as they climbed to rejoin the wind currents. The others flew nearby in silence, carrying the unconscious soldier back to base. But Sammy’s mind had already moved on. Her thoughts churned, sharp and focused.
That man—he’d spoken something she couldn’t understand. And that was important.
Her eyes narrowed slightly against the sunlight, gaze fixed on the horizon.
Adam... he can’t speak Shalanese.
She felt her pulse quicken. He wouldn't stay near populated areas that didn’t speak English. He wouldn't risk capture or confusion. He would go where people could understand him.
That’s what she would do, anyway.
Her mind flashed back to the moment in Yazmina's office, when Adam had hovered near the desk with the map—his eyes lingering, his hand gesturing vaguely toward a cluster of cities. At the time, she thought he was just restless or curious.
But now?
He was memorizing.
Which one would he choose?
There were only a handful of regions where English was spoken natively—scattered trade ports and allied cities that catered to off-world communications.
Then it hit her.
Humaran.
It was the closest major city that used English regularly. It was heavily trafficked, diverse, and big enough to hide in.
That’s where he’s going.
She felt it with a strange certainty that settled deep into her gut.
Sammy glanced at the others still flying nearby. She tapped her comms and addressed them calmly, professionally, but firmly.
“You all can return to base,” she said. “I’ve got a lead. I’m heading to Humaran.”
There was a beat of silence, then Toshi’s voice crackled through.
“Alone? That’s a long haul, Sammy.”
“I’ll be fine,” she replied. “Let Landon know where I’m going. If Adam's goal is to blend in or contact someone—he’ll do it there.”
Another pause. Then a reluctant, “Alright. Be careful.”
“I always am.”
The other scouts peeled away one by one, banking in graceful arcs as they headed back toward the base.
Sammy gave Yelana a silent nod, and the Sorhebi responded with a beat of her massive wings. They turned eastward.
The sky stretched wide and brilliant before them.
Seven hours to Humaran.
Sammy didn’t mind. The silence was welcome. Up here, above the chaos, above the politics, above the confusion—she could think clearly.
Wind tore past her. The light shifted from Lavender afternoon to a deeper purple as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. They flew steady and strong.
Alone. Focused. Determined.
And somewhere out there, Adam was walking straight toward the one place she now raced to intercept.
Beneath her, Yelana crooned softly through the bond.
"You think we’ll find him?"
We have to. Sammy’s gaze sharpened. We’re the only ones who understand what’s coming.
She leaned forward into the wind, eyes set on the fading line of the horizon.
Humaran waited.
And the chase had only just begun.
ns216.73.216.25da2
